Friday, June 17, 2011

When country super-star, Miranda Lambert, walked down the aisle to meet her cowboy, and fellow country super-star, Blake Shelton, she not only rocked her stellar cowboy boots, she carried a brooch bouquet designed from pieces given to her by her bridesmaids. InnCredible!

And Miranda is not the only bride choosing to walk 'flower free'. As 'green' trends gain in popularity, couples are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly, and for some, bridal bouquets are taking on a whole new look. In fact, if you can imagine it, you can probably bouquet-it!

Brooch bouquets are by-far the most popular twist on the traditional flower bouquet. And while these bouquets are gorgeous, they can also be a wee bit on the heavy side. It is reported that Miranda's bouquet weighed about 5 pounds! But, does any bride really care when she's carrying a bouquet this beautiful!!! Nope, not one little bit!

If you're not 'into' brooches, how about buttons? We all have button jars at home, right? How sweet is this? Love it!

Another big trend this year is paper flower bouquets. In fact, the latest edition of 'The Knot - Northern California'has an entire page devoted to paper bouquets. Lovely! And, I can't even tell these are paper, can you?

And while we're talking about paper, let's not forget the most popular paper art, origami. If you love origami, here's the perfect bouquet!And, I don't know about you, but to me, those look like dollar bills. Talk about a 'head start' on marriage!

Pinwheels are hugely popular too...and if your theme is centered around this fun childhood favorite, why not carry that theme through your bouquet? Darling...darling...darling!

Love feathers? Well take a look at this InnCredible bouquet...it's so whimsical!

Every year the butterflies come back to Pacific Grove, California, but you can have them with you on your special day with a fab butterfly bouquet. Don't you just love this! It's so bright and colorful.

And, if you're a crafty-girl, you might want to consider this fun felt bouquet complete with button centers. All I can say is...too cute for words! My daughter, Ailis, would love this!

If you really want to go DIY, this ribbon bouquet might just be your 'cup of tea'.All you non-traditional, edgy brides might want to consider an awesome metal bouquet...

Love the look but want a bit more glam? Well, add a few pearls! Simple and elegant!

Getting married at the beach, then how about carrying a seashell bouquet as you walk down the sand to meet your husband-to-be! What a beautiful look!

And I couldn't end this blog post without mentioning one of our favorite trends...succulents. If you're using succulents on your tables, why not carry this campy bouquet?

The good news about these bouquets is that they will last virtually forever! Well, accept for the succulent bouquet, that is...And if you absolutely love flowers, like my daughter-in-law, Tiffany, and just can't think about walking down the aisle without them, well, you're in luck. Flowers are still the number one choice in bouquets today.

Just remember, the choice is always yours. Pick the bouquet that fits your personality, the theme of your wedding and your colors, and enjoy your big day!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Look at that face! How can you not love that face? Everyone who owns a dog absolutely thinks their dog is the cutest puppy ever. So as wedding trends begin to shift, more and more couples are choosing to include their 'furry friends' in their 'paws-itively' perfect days.

Seriously, now-a-days, dogs aren't just pets, they're members of our families...and many times, we take them everywhere we go...right?Well, at least I do! LOL! So to some, not including their 'fur-people' in one of the biggest days of their lives is completely out of the question and unacceptable. I mean, seriously, how could you say 'NO' to that face!

(my Molly Waffle!)

If you're one of the growing trend bound and determined to include your pup in your ceremony, here are a few tips to make sure you, and the furry member of your bridal party, are all happy campers.

(love the tongue!)

Always check with your venue to make sure you can include your pup in the festivities. Many outdoor venues will allow you to include them, but it's always nice to ask before you just show up and expect it to be ok. Some indoor facilities are changing their 'no pets' policies and are beginning to allow pets as well..but they may have a few restrictions, so again, check with your venue.

(camera hounds!)

Before you 'jump in with both feet' on this idea, make sure your pup is the type that can handle large crowds and intense situations. Some dogs handle these types of situations very well, and others...well, not so much!

(Who are these people?)

Experts suggest that you either hire a trainer or designate someone, not in your wedding party, to take care of bowzer all day so you can enjoy your reception without worrying about how your pup is doing. It might be advisable, depending upon the temperament of your dog, to ask a friend to drive Fido home so they can rest after the big soiree, or bring their crate for comfort and a nap. And don't forget a bowl of water and a dish of food!

(Can we go now? Pleeeaassee!)

Always, always, always have someone walk your dog before your ceremony. Nothing spells disaster faster than having your dog relieve him or herself at the altar. Trust me, this is NOT the one thing you want everyone to remember about your wedding!

(I really gotta go...I really gotta go!)

When taking photos with your dog, try to take them before your ceremony to ensure that your pup will be fresh faced and ready for their photo-op.

(Not another photo...)

Be reasonable about your dogs abilities before you decide their role in your wedding. If you have a puppy, for instance, it's probably a given that they aren't going to be able to sit quietly while your entire ceremony is being conducted.

(Ok...I'm done!)

It's also suggested that you dress your pup in the outfit they'll be wearing the day of your wedding so they get used to the new additions. That will keep them from pulling and tugging at the garments and trying to rip them off while your ceremony is happening.

(Such a handsome Best Man)

Sometimes being clever just doesn't cut it. If you want your dog to act as your 'Ring Bearer' make sure you have a pillow, or pouch, for them to carry the rings. In fact, using 'fake' rings is much better idea...that way you don't run the risk of loosing the rings before they get to the altar.

(Seriously?)

And for heaven sake....practice...practice...practice! Just like trying to teach your dog a new behavior or trick, practice makes perfect! It's a good idea to take your pup to your wedding location several times so they can get used to the surroundings and practice...that way their job becomes routine.

(Cutie Pie Corgis!)

Oh, and just in case you're wondering...dogs aren't the only pets in weddings. Oh no...!!! Believe it or not, some people have included their cats, horses, and birds. Oh my!